I have been trying to sort through the licesing/pricing options for Lotus Domino products and after much cunfusion from IBM reps, I have some final questions regarding the Collaboration Express Licesing option.
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This does include the Domino server in the per user license, right?
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Assuming this does include the license for Domino, is the price fixed whether using 1,2 or 4 processors?
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Are there any limitations on being able to develop and use databases (other than the clustering and partioning listed in their FAQ)?
Thank you for any insight. IBM wasn’t much help.
Subject: * Nevermind, it took all day but they finally answered my questions EOM
Subject: Good source for your answers…
Here is the main page, IBM Lotus Notes and Domino licensing. It explains that you can purchase via client/server, by user bundles (Express and CEO), or by CPU for Utility Server.
Following the link to Domino Express you can see what you are and are not entitled to, and also find more answers in the Domino Express FAQ.
To answer your questions…
- This does include the Domino server in the per user license, right?
You pay for the desired number of users, up to a maximum of 1000. The price includes entitlement to the Lotus Domino server software, plus access from your choice of client: Lotus Notes, Lotus Domino Web Access, Lotus Domino Access for Microsoft Outlook, or Lotus Domino WebMail.
- Assuming this does include the license for Domino, is the price fixed whether using 1,2 or 4 processors?
Since you are not paying per CPU, you can use any type, and any number of servers you would like.
- Are there any limitations on being able to develop and use databases (other than the clustering and partioning listed in their FAQ)?
IBM Lotus Domino Collaboration Express provides all the functions of IBM Lotus Domino Messaging Express, plus support for custom intranet and Internet applications. The applications may be developed in house using IBM Lotus Domino Designer (licensed separately) or acquired from an Independent Software Vendor.
I’m sorry the people on the phone were not of much help, and I hope this web site does provide you want you need.
Learn more at my Lotus Notes Tips and Tricks Blog
Alan Lepofsky - Competitive Marketing Intelligence - IBM/Lotus
Subject: Collaboration Express Licensing Questions
There is no difference in per user price if the server (or servers) is a single, double or quad processor and the server is included in the price of the client license
The license restrictions are:
No license to use Lotus Domino partitioning or clustering
No use on IBM eServer zSeries platform (Linux or z/OS)
No option to use IBM DB2 Universal Database as an alternative data store
No license to use the following advanced administration functions: extended access control lists, cascading directories, directory catalogs, directory assistance, central directory (userless name and address book)
No accompanying IBM WebSphere Application Server license
Subject: RE: Collaboration Express Licensing Questions
Thank you! I appreciate you comfirming the answers. It has been a frustrating day dealing with a half dozen IBM reps, none of whom knew the product they are selling.
Thanks again.
Subject: RE: Collaboration Express Licensing Questions
It is a great way to buy Domino in a small company. We have less than 30 users and it is far less expense than any other similar product.
Were you talking to the IBM Express Conciege? Or just a regular sales rep? The conciege service ‘name’ sounds a little hokey, but we have always found them to know their stuff.
We also license the Utility Server Express ($2500/processor, minimum of 2 processor machine or $5000) for our external users.
I haven’t done the math lately, but once it was $40K worth of licenses for a little over $10K.
Subject: RE: Collaboration Express Licensing Questions
Yes, it is a great value. I am looking forward to upgrading the system.
I am curious as to why you purchased the Utility Server for external users. Will we be able to have users connect through their Notes Client to the server with the Collabroation Express license?
Thank you,
Shawn
Subject: RE: Collaboration Express Licensing Questions
External as in customers and partners (about 750 of them) accessing a Domino database web application.
The alternative would be to buy them all Collaboration Licenses and convince them to install Notes 
Great idea, but I don’t think that they would have brought into it.